unwieldy

adjective

un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwēl-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
: not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome
unwieldily adverb
unwieldiness noun

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The Difference Between Wieldy and Unwieldy

The verb to wield means "to handle or exert something effectively." A carpenter might wield a hammer with impressive dexterity, for example, or a talented orator might wield influence over an audience of listeners. Something that is "wieldy" is capable of being wielded easily, and while that adjective may not be particularly common, its antonym "unwieldy" finds ample use to describe anything that is awkward to handle, move, or manage. "Wield" and its relatives all derive via Middle English from Old English wieldan, meaning "to control."

Examples of unwieldy in a Sentence

The system is outdated and unwieldy. an unwieldy machine that requires two people to operate it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The New York Yankees injury list is reaching unwieldy levels. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 The result is a system that makes traditional notions of childhood – with its unwieldy dependencies, its inefficient play and its demands for attention and care – increasingly untenable. Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025 This slow, unwieldy process is also a factor pushing up the value of gold, albeit a temporary one. Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 That movie was less a continuation of the series and more a takedown from within of Disney’s unwieldy superhero apparatus. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unwieldy

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwieldy was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Unwieldy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwieldy. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unwieldy

adjective
un·​wieldy ˌən-ˈwē(ə)l-dē How to pronounce unwieldy (audio)
ˈən-
: not easily handled or managed because of size or weight : awkward, cumbersome
an unwieldy tool

More from Merriam-Webster on unwieldy

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